Advice for fitting a new chain for electric gates

[chemistry]

The chain that drives the mechanism for my electric gates has rusted and snapped (after about 4 years) so needs replacing. After trying in vain to get my local gate installer out to do a repair I've decided to try and replace it myself.

However, before I do, does anyone have any good advice, tips or suggestions? Any particular tools I need or can I get away with pliers (it's a fair chunky chain...).

Lastly, can anyone explain why there are two 'connector links' that need to be used, one secured by a split pin and the other by a clip?

Thanks in advance...

[Richard-D]

The 2nd link is to give you the option of shortening by a half link (finer adjustment).

No special tools required, not tricky to do.

[chemistry]

Richard-D said:

The 2nd link is to give you the option of shortening by a half link (finer adjustment).

No special tools required, not tricky to do.

Thank you!

[Watcher of the skies]

I have no knowledge of these, but would it be worth coating the chain in thick grease (assuming that muck and grit won't get in). 4 years does seem rather a short lifespan.

[Wacky Racer]

Watcher of the skies said:

I have no knowledge of these, but would it be worth coating the chain in thick grease (assuming that muck and grit won't get in). 4 years does seem rather a short lifespan.

This.

Get some motorcycle chain grease.

[chemistry]

Good advice; will do.

[dhutch]

Make sure the power is isolated any time your fingers are anywhere near it.

And ensure the 'sump' it all sits in can drain freely, because they lids dont seal.

[chemistry]

Indeed; will do on both counts.

[chemistry]

Just to say thanks to everyone who gave me helpful advice - new chain fitted (very easy), all fingers retained and gates operating perfectly. Will apply motorbike chain grease as soon as It arrives.

Cheers all

[dhutch]

Happy days.

Been looking at new gates ourselves, having got mad prices of like £8-12k I'm planning to get the galvanised steel frame made by an engineer firm (£750) clad it myself with pressure treated decking timber (£300) and buy the motors via eBay from an Italian wholesaler (£1200) and then either get them fitted by a local gate installer who did the same for a neighbour or diy that too.

[Wacky Racer]

Lovely pair of gates there, nice stonework too. Impressive.

Try to make sure they are treated every couple of years with good quality preservative.